How to pick a summer camp

According to the American Camp Association, there are about 7,000 overnight camps and about 5,000 day camps in the United States. That means, you have more than 12,000 camps to choose from this summer. This is a staggering number, which leaves potential campers and their families wondering how to pick a summer camp.

First, decide if you want an overnight camp, sometimes called sleepaway camp or a resident camp, or if you think a day camp is more appropriate. That decision alone can cut your options drastically. Overnight camp is usually for older children, beginning in middle school and continuing through high school, where day camps can go as young as preschool aged children (not all of them do, so be sure to ask questions when you contact the camp).

Decide if you want to pick a summer camp that is a specialized camp, or a general camp. If you’re specifically looking for a sports-related camp, you can narrow down your options by eliminating camps without athletic components. Same for arts, engineering, science, and even languages - pick a summer camp that offers the programming you want.

For example, Cheshire Academy offers a Sustainable Earth Camp with two separate tracks to choose from. Research how philosophy has impacted civilization and explore the effects of the atomic bomb in Cultural Time Travel. Create a submarine to explore the ocean and launch a rocket into space as part of the Exploration session. These camps are perfect for the students interested in science-related activity, earth-friendly practices, and engineering.

Once you have an idea of what you want, visit the camps online to learn more. Most camps have websites that describe the programs, sleeping accommodations, activities, and more. This is a great step to get additional information. You’ll likely find an inquiry form online, which you can fill out to have even more details sent to you.

About Cheshire Academy

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The student-centered private school in CT

Cheshire Academy is a boarding school in Connecticut that challenges students in grades 8-12 and Post Grad to discover and hone their unique talents. This college preparatory school offers personalized learning opportunities like the Roxbury Academic Support Program and the IB Program. Artists can benefit from the Art Major program, while high school athletes can benefit from competitive athletics. Overall, students at the private school are encouraged to become culturally sensitive and internationally minded, and develop the critical thinking skills, confidence and character that enable them to succeed in college and as citizens of a global society.